Tweets,



After an study of the bird in question last Sunday and after comparisons of
various photos of the bird in question and comparison shots, Brien and I are
of the opinion that it is probably not a Garganey. That leaves the question
of what it might be otherwise. Most likely a quite odd, seemingly aberrant
Green-winged or Common Teal. Aberrant in that the speculum borders are very
conspicuous while those of virtually all the Green-winged Teal we've
observed are invisible on the swimming bird and rather obscure when visible.
The face pattern provides a superficial match to a female-type Garganey but
is not as contrasting as it should be and is identical to at least some
female Green-winged Teals. The bird in question behaves in an unusual
fashion, not only by diving repeatedly but also by avoiding the other teals
there and demonstrating much more active feeding and some aggressive
interactions with a male Green-winged Teal. The behavior and the striking
speculum borders are what first called our attention to the bird and what
made it stand out as something quite out of the ordinary. However, the
behaviors don't clearly point to a Garganey, nor to a Green-winged or Common
Teal either.



Our apologies to those who got wet and tired looking for it. At least it was
a learning experience and highlights a new and promising bit of habitat here
in Seattle. If you are in the vicinity please see if you can pick it out, as
we're still quite puzzled as to it's true identity. Better photos desired.



Gene Hunn (Brien concurs)

Lake Forest Park, WA

enhunn323 at comcast.net